Rajdeep Sardesai Debate: How Will America View The India-China Relationship Reset At BRICS 2026?

In an interview with India Today, former NITI Aayog CEO and ex-G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant analyzed the outcomes of the unanimously adopted BRICS Delhi Declaration. He highlighted that reaching consensus sends a strong message against unilateral tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and coercive secondary economic sanctions, which severely impact India and the Global South. Addressing the absence of specific country names in the declaration, Kant noted that multilateral communiqués traditionally maintain diplomatic phrasing while delivering clear signals regarding unpredictable US trade policies. Furthermore, he emphasized that post-World War II global governance institutions like the United Nations, the Security Council, and the World Trade Organization have become irrelevant for emerging economies, necessitating comprehensive reforms. Addressing China's role, Kant observed, "China weaponizes technology," explaining how Beijing dominates clean energy processing and battery manufacturing. He asserted that China must open up and share manufacturing opportunities with fellow BRICS members to build long-term trust and ensure collective economic growth.

A ground report from Malda district in West Bengal reveals severe inundation caused by swelling waters in the River Ganga and Mahananda. Excess water flowing downstream from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has completely submerged villages along the riverbanks, including Ratanpur in the Ratua gram panchayat, for over ten days. While National Disaster Response Force teams, civil defence units, and Malda police carry out rescue operations using boats, several families and livestock remain stranded amid severe bank erosion. At the Mahananda Tola Swastha Kendra primary health centre, floodwaters have risen over five feet, leaving outdoor facilities submerged and the power supply completely disconnected. Despite pitch darkness and the threat of venomous snakes entering the building at night, medical officer Dr Arijit Sutradhar and health staff remain stationed round the clock to run emergency services, attending to patients who arrive on local country boats.

In an interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed accusations regarding military, strategic, and technological assistance from Russia and China, stating, "Russia and China are friends," while expressing a desire to deepen relations with India. He asserted that Iran's resilience against foreign powers stems not from external technology, but from internal unity and consistency among its people. Addressing speculation regarding the health and security of Iran's supreme leader, Pezeshkian confirmed that the leader is alive and performing his duties. He accused the United States and Israel of committing state terror, remarking, "They are the real terrorists in the world," and condemned their military strikes and assassinations across the region. When questioned about the transition of authority and governance in Iran, Pezeshkian confirmed that the supreme leader retains the final say. Pezeshkian concluded by emphasizing that Iran will stand firm and resist attempts by totalitarian powers to isolate the country.

In an interview with India Today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of attempting to sow discord within Iran and across the Middle East. Pezeshkian stated, "their intention is to pit Arab countries against Iran, uh, so that we would be in quarrel and fight against each other, and then they will exploit our oil." Addressing outreach to neighboring Muslim countries, he explained that while Tehran engages in dialogue, problems arise because regional nations host American military bases used to target Iran, leaving the country with no choice but to defend itself.